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In seeking for justice men seek for the mean or neutral…

“In seeking for justice men seek for the mean or neutral, for the law is the mean. Again, customary laws have more weight, and relate to more important matters, than written laws, and a man may be a safer ruler than the written law, but not safer than the customary law.” quote by Aristotle
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“In seeking for justice men seek for the mean or neutral, for the law is the mean. Again, customary laws have more weight, and relate to more important matters, than written laws, and a man may be a safer ruler than the written law, but not safer than the customary law.”

Aristotle

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Justice seeks a balanced middle ground; customary law, rooted in tradition, often outweighs written statutes.

In simple terms: Justice is a mean; customs can be safer than written law.

Key Takeaway

Respect tradition while upholding fairness.

Themes

justice law customary law

Mood

analytical philosophical

Type

ethical theoretical

When to use this quote

  • legal reforms
  • community governance
  • policy making

Key Concepts

ethical balance social contract

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should written law override custom?
  • How to reconcile tradition with modern values?
A Different Perspective

Customary law may resist progress or be biased.

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